I originally came to Loughborough University to study on the Art and Design Foundation course, which allowed me to explore Fine Art, Fashion & Textiles, Visual Communication and 3D Design while gaining a creative arts qualification. Despite already knowing that I wanted to pursue a fashion-related degree, the Foundation course gave me valuable insight into textiles and other creative disciplines, while also providing a pathway onto a creative degree.
I chose the Fashion Design & Technology degree because the course stood out for its combination of creativity, science and technology, allowing me to apply interests from my A levels, including maths and science, within a fashion context. Through modules exploring thermal performance, garment construction and digital technologies such as CLO3D, I learned to design with both aesthetics and functionality in mind.
A placement year was always important to me because I was aware of how competitive the fashion industry can be. I wanted to gain practical experience, improve my employability and explore different career paths within textiles and performance fashion. Loughborough University provided extensive placement support, including CV workshops, careers seminars, open drop-in sessions and employer talks. They also advertised placement opportunities through Loughborough's careers portal and on an external job boards.
I took a proactive approach to finding a placement by independently researching roles, networking and making speculative applications. My tutors encouraged me to explore brands I was interested in working for, so I found the placement opportunity through the Adidas careers page. This reflects the level of hard work and patience required to secure a placement. The knowledge and skills gained after completing a year in industry makes the time and effort worth it.
One module that particularly prepared me for industry was Advanced Digital Design Processes, where we used laboratory data and knowledge of thermal performance to create an outerwear and activewear capsule collection. This project helped me understand consumer needs, technical design processes and industry relevant digital software.
I completed my placement at Adidas within the Pattern-Making team for the Running and Specialist Sportswear department. I was excited by the chance to work internationally and living in Germany was both exciting and challenging, as I adapted to a new culture, routine and workplace environment. Although most communication within the company was in English, I also developed basic German language skills and became more confident communicating with people from different backgrounds.
During my placement, I significantly improved both my technical and interpersonal skills. I strengthened my abilities in CLO3D, Illustrator, pattern making and undertaking presentations, while also learning digital pattern-making software such as Gerber. Adidas also offered workshops through its MakerLab, where I explored laser-cutting, printing and apparel testing techniques.
My responsibilities included supporting fitting sessions, measuring samples, assisting with pattern updates and working with both physical and digital prototypes to better understand garment construction. I collaborated with cross-functional teams across design, marketing and materials. Alongside this, I completed an individual six-month project focused on redeveloping the sports hijab base pattern and grading system while creating a development playbook for future use. This project allowed me to research an underrepresented market, independently lead fittings and testing sessions, and create prototypes using professional equipment. Presenting my findings to the wider pattern team and knowing my work will remain part of the Adidas pattern library was a major achievement.
Beyond technical skills, I learned how to work under pressure, communicate professionally with international teams and adapt to living independently in a new country. One of the biggest challenges was balancing the fast-paced nature of the workplace with adjusting to a completely new environment but this ultimately helped me become more resilient and confident.
A major highlight of my placement was becoming Head of the Social Committee for the Adidas interns. I organised events that encouraged collaboration and networking, including intern presentations, a sports day for disadvantaged schools in Nuremberg and the production of an intern yearbook. This experience strengthened my confidence, leadership and organisational skills, whilst allowing me to connect with people across the company.
My placement also gave me valuable insight into how large corporations operate and how different departments contribute to the wider business. Understanding how the industry functions in practice has helped me feel more prepared for graduate employment and more confident in tailoring my final-year work towards my future goals. Networking opportunities such as Adidas’ “coffee chats” were particularly valuable, as it allowed me to connect with professionals across the company and gain career advice.
Looking ahead, I remain interested in performance-based fashion because I enjoy combining technical problem-solving with creativity. However, I would also like to experience a variety of roles and workplaces before specialising fully. My placement in Germany strengthened my interest in travelling and experiencing new cultures and so location will remain an important factor when considering future opportunities.
My advice to students about to start their placement is to trust the process and be patient with yourself. Starting a professional role can feel overwhelming at first but enthusiasm, preparation and a willingness to learn goes a long way. It is important to ask questions, take initiative and remember that employers understand that you are there to learn and develop.
Kenzie will graduate from Loughborough University in 2027.